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Despite results, Drabek's return an accomplishment

Despite results, Drabek's return an accomplishment

5/21/12: Kyle Drabek picks up his fourth win for the Blue Jays, holding the Rays to just two runs over six innings

By Gregor Chisholm
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MLB.com |

MINNEAPOLIS -- Kyle Drabek stepped onto a Major League mound on Saturday night for the first time in almost 15 months.

Drabek missed a significant amount of time after he underwent Tommy John surgery last June. It was his second time having the procedure, but he is well on his road to recovery and should be at full strength by the start of next season.

The return wasn't necessarily pretty, as Drabek failed to retire a batter, surrendering three singles and issuing a walk before he was pulled from the game, but the results are taking a backseat to the overall accomplishment of getting back on the hill.

"I felt comfortable out there. I just didn't throw a curveball for a strike or was just missing around the plate," Drabek said.

"I guess coming out of the 'pen, it's a little different, but my arm felt great. I had no arm issues, just missing the plate."

Drabek won't admit it, but nerves likely played at least some kind of role in his underwhelming season debut. The Blue Jays certainly aren't overly concerned, and while it remains uncertain whether Drabek will have an opportunity to start before the end of the year, he'll at the very least get a few more innings out of the bullpen.

The 25-year-old was a September callup after he appeared in four games -- including three starts -- for Triple-A Buffalo. Drabek posted a 3.77 ERA in 14 1/3 innings, and perhaps the most encouraging sign was that he walked just two batters.

"I'm excited to be here. That was just the first time. Hopefully, it doesn't happen the second time, but as long as my arm feels good, I'm happy," Drabek said.